Shows
The Wholesome Music PodcastPrinceton Offers a New "Women in Hip Hop" CourseWe continue our History of Music Production series with the history of microphones. Then we take a look at some prominent hip hop music college programs, and discuss what the state of hip hop in higher education says about the times we live in (also, Cameron reveals some more of his lore). In news, we discuss Casey Wasserman selling his namesake agency, Spotify's next "AI Derivatives" move, UMG's acquisition of Downtown, and finally finally(!) get some clarity on what Sony's AI strategy is. Our Take It Or Leave It advice is all about microphone technique.L...
2026-02-191h 06The Wholesome Music PodcastCEO of Wasserman in the Epstein filesWe kick off our "History of Music Production" series with The History of Mixing and Mastering: what is mixing, how does it differ from mastering? Then, Casey Wasserman, founder and CEO of Wasserman agency, who represents a huge swath of the music industry, is in the Epstein files, and his clients and employees are speaking out. Udio and Suno have differing visions for the future of AI music. Finally, Cameron leaves you with some sage advice about how to fix your most common mix issues.LinksBethany Cosentino Calls on Wasserman CEO to Step...
2026-02-121h 04The Wholesome Music PodcastActivism at the 2026 GRAMMYsPlus, how can you keep your venue safe from ICE? We have a checklist that will help you prepare. Also, Spotify and the major labels are suing activist and archive group Anna's Archive for 13 trillion dollars (that's "trillion" with a "T"). Then, which musicians are in the Epstein files so far? Finally, this week's Take It Or Leave It advice helps your songs get more radio play.LinksWomen Won Big at the Grammy Awards and Used Their Platform for Good by @amplifyhervoice Bon Iver Talks about the Whistle on His Jacket" by @rollingstone "You give Am...
2026-02-051h 02The Wholesome Music PodcastWhat's your 2026 music release strategy?It's a new year and many of us are thinking about how to plan out our music drops. How should you plan your year? And what about your music video strategy? We look at how music videos remain relevant—and how they don't.Next, a major shift has taken place in the social media landscape with the transfer of TikTok to its new (rightwing billionaire) American owners. What does this mean for the future of the platform, and your fans out there who rely on it to connect with you?Scott LeGere is a major na...
2026-01-291h 17The Wholesome Music PodcastBandcamp Bans AI MusicBandcamp recently announced, "music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp." But what does that mean, and how will they enforce it? We dive in. In good news, we share a fundraising effort by Fender and Habitat for Humanity to raise money for housing in LA by auctioning custom guitars made from trees affected by last year's fires. Then we discuss a new global initiative by Universal Music Group to empower music education. Is it a good thing, or just another corporate cashgrab?Stay to the end...
2026-01-2249 minThe Wholesome Music PodcastMinneapolis & ICEWe have roots in Minneapolis, and felt we couldn't have just a regular episode given the murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis at the hands of ICE agents. What can musicians do in times like this? We read Renee Good's wife's statement in its entirety, as a way of honoring her memory and life's work. Next: Spotify has said they're no longer running ICE ads but it's not because of a moral stance. We talk about how independent journalism is a form of resistance, and what lessons we can learn as musicians from the fracturing news media landscape—and wh...
2026-01-151h 08The Wholesome Music PodcastState of the GRAMMYs / Rap embraces art / YouTube vs Billboards / Spotify hackedWe're back for 2026 with a look at the Grammy's. Are they still relevant? What's it take to get nominated? Is being part of the Grammy's something indie artists should aspire to? Next we look at how rap is embracing the visual art world. YouTube is set to stop reporting to Billboard because of a disagreement between the two organizations about how free streams should be counted. Finally, Spotify has been hacked! Who did it, what did they steal, and how can you get in on it?Plus we're adding a brand new weekly segment called "Take It...
2026-01-081h 09The Wholesome Music PodcastAll About Christmas MusicKids, mom and dad love you very much, but things got a little hectic this holiday season, so we just got you something small... a Christmas mini-episode! We talk about holiday music strategy, trends in Christmas music—including why it starts so early now—and how and why musicians choose to do so many Christmas songs. It may be a little late for this year, but we'll set you up to succeed for next year.LinksOPINION: Modern Christmas music doesn’t hold up by Ashley Ragone for The SignalIs Christmas Starting Earlier and Earlie...
2025-12-2514 minThe Wholesome Music PodcastGene Simmons testifies before Congress / iHeartRadio 'guaranteed human' / Jay-Z invests in K-PopThey say politics make for strange bedfellows, and that's never been more true than when The Wholesome Music Podcast is forced to give props to Gene Simmons (who is gross). He recently testified before US Congress, urging them to close the loophole that lets radio stations not pay for music. Next, we catch up on iHeartRadio's efforts to brand themselves as "Guaranteed Human," and finally we look at investments Jay Z is making in K-pop and "K-culture" and what that could mean for the future of music.Links'That's Called robbery': Gene Simmons Urges US Congress...
2025-12-1744 minThe Wholesome Music PodcastIs Spotify Wrapped cooked? / Vinyl sales still growing / Dan Wilson's songwriting tipAre you sure that Spotify actually knows what your musical taste is? And do you really want to outsource your opinions to a profit-driven algorithm? It's Spotify Wrapped season! Next, we look at 2025 vinyl sales trends. Vinyl is on the rise, but why? And what do you need to know about vinyl for your own career? Finally, we talk songwriting: mega-songwriter Dan Wilson shares great tips on songwriting, and we discuss natural language, why it's dominating the charts, and how you can use it in your songs!LinksThis Spotify Wrapped season, don’t ou...
2025-12-1146 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastThe Nostalgia Episode: Are Bands Obsolete? / Phone Bans at Raves / MP3 Players Return / Local Music In DeclineThis episode has a decidedly backwards-looking approach. Did you know the last time a band had a #1 song on the US charts was all the way back in 2001? We dig into why are there so few bands in the charts these days. Next we look at two retro trends and discuss if they're linked as well as what they say about tech backlash in the music industry. Finally, we talk about why local music is in decline in Australia, why that matters globally, and what can be done about it.LinksAre bands becoming obsolete in...
2025-12-0457 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastCopyrighting Your Music / Gratitude / Major 3 AI "Strategic Partnerships" / Backlash to TIDAL / Tyler, The Creator / Travis Scott's Record Breaking TourShould YOU register your music with the copyright office? Our final installment on How Musicians Get Paid has answers! Next, in the spirt of Thanksgiving we talk about what we're grateful for in our music careers this year. After that: a major spate of music industry and AI collaborations were announced... but what does it actually mean? We discuss the backlash to Tidal's new upload program, then look at a few hip hop artists still making moves in 2025 (Hip Hop is not dead!).Be sure to check the links for our our copyright guide!Links
2025-11-261h 04
The Wholesome Music PodcastHow Performers Get Paid / TIDAL's New Upload Feature / Spotify Buys WhoSampled / Suno Fundraiser / AI-Generated Country Is ChartingPart three of our "How Musicians Get Paid" series zeroes in on how performers get paid, including the ins and outs of distribution, SoundExchange, and a couple little-known revenue sources for session musicians. We look at TIDAL's new direct upload feature and what this means for indie musicians and the culture. We profile a recent Spotify acquisition and their new efforts to offer more robust credits and discuss SUNO's new fundraising. Finally, we react to "Walk My Walk," the new AI-generated song that is actually charting in the Billboard country charts.LinksHow Songwriters, Composers, and...
2025-11-201h 16
The Wholesome Music PodcastHow Songwriters Get Paid / Publishing Deals / Spotify’s Payola Lawsuit / Ireland’s UBI / Kanye West's “Apology”Part two of our "How musicians get paid" series dives into how songwriters make money, followed by a discussion on publishing deals. Then we break down Spotify’s new “payola” lawsuit, look at Ireland’s universal basic income for musicians, and talk about Kanye West’s recent public apology. A lil’ music-biz, a lil’ legal tea, and a whole lot of game for songwriters trying to level up.LinksHow Songwriters, Composers, and Performers Get Paid by Copyright.gov Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Spotify of Engaging in "Payola" in Discover Mode By Daniel Kreps for...
2025-11-131h 01
The Wholesome Music PodcastOrigins of Music Copyright / No Rap In Top 40 / PRO's Allow Partial AI / Billie Eilish Calls Out Zuck / Cam'Ron vs. J. ColeFor months we've been promising you a breakdown on how to get paid in the music industry, and we launch part one of this discussion with a quick overview on the history of music copyright, to help us understand why music copyright is so convoluted. After that, we look at why there are no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 — the first time since 1990. In AI news, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced new plans to accept some kinds of AI authorship. Next, we cheer on Billie Eilish for calling out Mark Zuckerberg for being a POS billionaire. Finally, wh...
2025-11-051h 06
The Wholesome Music PodcastCreative Restrictions / Billboard Tweaks / Lizzo Sued / Chappell Roan's LGBTQ+ Support / YouTube's Massive PayoutCan you place creative restrictions on yourself and actually grow as an artist? We use a fun blog post as a jumping off point to discuss how "doing less" can actually fuel your process. Next, we look at how Billboard is tweaking its "Hot 100" charts, and what that means for who will chart (or not). Lizzo—no stranger to lawsuits—is facing another one about an unreleased song, presenting an interesting wrinkle in how samples are monetized. We celebrate Chappell Roan's Midwest Princess Project which is donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to LGBTQ+ organizations, and finally look at YouT...
2025-10-3058 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastCrushing It On Gig Day / SoundExchange AI Registry / Timbaland's Soulless New AI Artist / UMG's Influencer App / Beatport TicketingFinally it's gig day! After all the rehearsals and promotion, it's time to jump on stage and show the crowd what you've got. How do you make the best of this day, make sure it goes smoothly, and get the most of your opportunity? We'll share some hard-earned experiences and lessons. Next, we look at SoundExchange's new global AI registry, what it does (and doesn't) do. Then, our first villain Timbaland (see ep. 3 for more) returns with a new AI artist called Tata Taktumi, and we react to "her" music video. Next we discuss UMG's new influencer app and...
2025-10-221h 02
The Wholesome Music PodcastPitching Yourself / Handling Rejection / Live Nation / Spotify x ChatGPT / Taylor Swift / The Downfall of DrakeWe break down how to pitch yourself as an artist — from telling your story and defining your “why” to stating your artistic pedigree. Next we also unpack Bob Brody’s piece “Stay True to Yourself – and Fly Closer to the Sun” and his lessons from 50 years of rejection. Then we look at how Portland’s music scene stood up to Live Nation–Ticketmaster, and dive into Spotify’s new ChatGPT integration that’s changing how artists get discovered. Finally, we briefly dunk on Drake for losing his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar.Links‘Stay true to yourself – and fly closer to the sun’...
2025-10-151h 25
The Wholesome Music PodcastMarketing Masterclass / AI Music Detection / Ticketmaster CEO Says Tickets are Too Cheap / Ed Sheeran's Plans for Dying / Spotify in SeratoWe discuss a marketing masterclass to help you cut through the noise and get your music heard. Then we look at the newest AI detection measures from Spotify, Universal, and Sony Music. We share Ed Sheeran's plan for his posthumous album. Then we deploy our dueling hot takes about ticket prices. Finally, we look at the new D4VD updates (with a CW for violence and grooming).LinksSymphonic Masterclass Recap: Fueling Your Next Release with Marketing Drivers by Randi ZimmermanSpotify has deleted 75m+ ‘spammy tracks’ – as it unveils new AI music policiesBy Mur...
2025-10-091h 12
The Wholesome Music PodcastCover Songs / Coachella Booking / Avoiding Burnout / GFY Records / Kate Hudson / Green Day / D4VD UpdateWe answer one of the most commonly asked questions in music: how do I legally cover other people's songs? Hint: it's easier than you think! Then we take a deep dive into all the agencies, labels, artists, and genres behind this year's Coachella, and what the data reveals about the state of the music industry. Next we discuss tools and strategies for avoiding burnout when it comes to the business side of your career. Then some news about Kate Hudson, Green Day, and songwriter Julia Michaels' new label, GFY Records. And an update on the D4VD story.
2025-10-0258 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastReaching Gatekeepers / Bad Bunny Skips America / 21 Pilots vs Temu / King Gizz on Bandcamp / D4VD / KanyeLike it or not, gatekeepers are a part of the music industry. We talk about some ways to connect with gatekeepers, and help you get a "Yes!" Next, we discuss how Bad Bunny is protecting his audience from ICE by skipping America on his upcoming world tour. We look at 21 Pilots' lawsuit against Temu, what King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are doing on Bandcamp, get juicy with the D4VD gossip, and round it out with a Kanye West's Donda Academy — who could have possibly expected Ye wasn't up to the job of running a school?Li...
2025-09-2552 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastBeating the Algorithm Blues / Musicians Unions / Marketing Automation / Vinyl Safe from TariffsEveryone's talking about AI and algorithms but there are still plenty of people and places to find human-curated music, so we highlight a few places to look. Next we profile UMAW — United Musicians and Allied Workers — who have been doing great work to support indie and DIY musicians. We talk about some tools designed to automate your music marketing, and go over the latest on tariffs and vinyl.LinksWhy Local Radio Is The Antidote To Your Algorithm Blues by Elliott Nielson for Mixcloud BlogBandcamp Launches Human-Curated 'Bandcamp Clubs' at $13 a Month by Daniel Tenc...
2025-09-1841 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastRunning a DIY Space / SEO for Musicians / Fully Licensed Generative AI / Spotify Messages / YouTube HypeWe talk about what we've learned from years of running DIY spaces, events, and groups, and how you can apply these lessons to your own career. Then we go over some great tips for SEO and discoverability for musicians. On the AI front, we discuss a new generative AI model that claims to be fully licensed (and how we might be wrong about AI slop), look at the latest developments on Suno's indie artist lawsuit, and how a lawsuit in the book publishing industry could impact musicians. Finally we look a couple new features from streamers, including YouTube Hype...
2025-09-111h 12
The Wholesome Music PodcastEmail vs Social Media / Monetizing Superfans / Quitting Social Media / Radio Rate Increase / Lil Nas XWe discuss the the pros and cons of email marketing vs social media. Then we highlight an artist who has quit social media and streaming entirely. We discuss the new ASCAP and BMI rate increases for radio, go over a service to promote live events on YouTube, and discuss how the streaming economy is unflattening as streaming services look to capitalize on superfans. We talk about Lil Nas X, Taylor and Travis, Chance The Rapper's comeback, and finally Apple Music's new LA studios.LinksPromoting Your Music: Email vs Social Media Marketing by Musician Indie Coalition...
2025-09-041h 14
The Wholesome Music PodcastMusic Lawyers / The Truth About Recoupment / Fair Use / Money For SongwritersAre music lawyers the biggest secret in the music industry? How do major labels ACTUALLY recoup your money — the math is worse than you think! What is "Fair Use" and how is it impacting YouTube? How songwriters are adapting to the new rules of the music industry. Also, Cameron drops his Chappell Roan hot take.LinksFair Use: https://copyright.wp.musiclibraryassoc.org/statement-on-the-copyright-law-and-fair-use-in-music/More Fair Use: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/360-story-lab/360-production-guide/investigate/360-media/post-production/copyright-fair-use/How Music Attorneys Help Artists Navigate Confusing Record Contracts in a Post-Streaming Revolution, Chappell Roan-Enlightened World by To...
2025-08-281h 01
The Wholesome Music PodcastArtists Leaving Spotify / Standing Up Against the Genocide in Gaza / Yung Thug and the RAP Act / YouTube fighting AI slop / Certified Generative AIA number of established artists are leaving Spotify. Should you? Should we? How artists support each other as they stand up against the genocide in Gaza. Yung Thug and the RAP act. The collective building the next Bandcamp. We have an update on Super Fans. We spotlight ONErpm. What's YouTube doing to combat AI slop on their platform? And how can artists use AI to help their careers — without generating songs?LinksMassive Attack, Kneecap, Brian Eno, Fontaines D.C. announce formation of musicians’ alliance to repel Zionist attacks by David Walsh https://www.wsws...
2025-08-201h 03
The Wholesome Music PodcastDIY Music Videos pt. 2 / Music Management / Superfans / Soundcloud's AI PolicyWe got so excited to talk about DIY music videos that we came back around for another round. When should you shoot vertical or horizontal? How can you find great locations? What video editing software is best?After that, we look at the proliferation of music business education. How does a degree stack up against real-world experience? We talk about superfans, their importance, and caveats when promoting to them. What kinds of communities will develop as a backlash against AI music? And a look at how Soundcloud updated their AI policy.🎵 Superfans are deeply eng...
2025-08-131h 06
The Wholesome Music PodcastDIY music videos / New tax breaks for musicians / Warner layoffs / The future of TikTokWhat's it take to make a DIY music video? Also, some rare good news from the government in 2025: the HITS act is a new tax break for indie musicians! We discuss layoffs at Warner Music Group. And what's the latest news for TikTok, and what does it mean for musicians?LinksSoundCloud Still Matters for Emerging Artists - Here’s Why by Ben Jolley on Chartmetric.com https://hmc.chartmetric.com/soundcloud-trends-2025-josh-baker-electronic/HITS Act becomes law in a Big Win For Independent Artists by Randi Zimmerman via Symphonic Bl...
2025-08-0643 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastActivism / The Velvet Sundown / Social Media / Compilations / Zines / Sample Packs / Artist CorporationsWhat is “adding value” on social media? How can musicians use their platform to help others? Zines and other forms of physical media are making a comeback. The co-founder of Kickstarter introduces artist corporations. The death of the middle class musician. We also wade into the fake AI bands controversy, including Velvet Sundown. LinksSocial Media Replaced Zines. Now Zines Are Taking the Power Back by C. Brandon Ogbunu for Wired https://www.wired.com/story/zines-social-media-power/The Death of the Middle-Class Musician by Lucy Rinaldi for The Walrus https://thewalrus.ca/the-d...
2025-08-031h 00
The Wholesome Music PodcastMoney / Day Jobs / Vinyl Costs / Tariffs / AI BrainrotEveryone in the music industry has a day job. The people who make a living in the music industry serve others. Most of us are actually consumers and hobbyists — and that’s okay. Meanwhile, Project 2025 and the administration is coming for your vinyl. Finally, is ChatGPT cooking your brain?LINKSWhy Tariffs Are Quitely Undermining The American Vinyl Comeback by Chris Castle for Music Technology Policy https://musictechpolicy.com/2025/06/19/why-tariffs-are-quietly-undermining-the-american-vinyl-comeback/If I Press Vinyl, Will I Make My Money Back? by Tony van Veen, Diskmakers Blog https://blog.discmakers.com/2025/01/is-vinyl-worth-the-cost/Suno...
2025-07-3146 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastAnalytics / Failed Promo Tactics / AI + Record Labels / Indie Execs Sound Off / Better Rhyme SchemesLet's talk about analytics and dashboards! What music promo tactics are cooked in 2025? And what works, according to indie music executives? Suno and Udio's potential licensing deal with major labels could be a major shift in creators rights. New Grammy category. We also explore previously unheard of rhyme schemes.LinksWhat Music Promo Tactics Don't Work Anymore? by Yona Marie https://www.indieonthemove.com/blog/2025/6/what-music-promo-tactics-dont-work-anymoreWhat Suno And Udio’s AI Licensing Deals With Music Majors Could Mean For Creators Rights by Virginie Berger https://www.forbes.com/sites/virginieberger/2025/06/06/what-suno-and-udios-ai-licensing-deals-with-music-majors-could-mean-for-creators-rights/W...
2025-07-241h 17
The Wholesome Music PodcastGood Collabs / LA in 2025 / Mental Health / TikTok for Artists / Timbaland's Weird AI Take / Goldman Sachs Music ForecastWhat makes a good recording session or a good collaborator? What's really going on in LA in 2025? (Spoiler: it's not an urban hellscape warzone). We'll also share some artist mental health resources, discuss TikTok's new artist tools, and stare deeply at Timbaland's very weird take on AI. A Goldman Sachs report gets reviewed — shout out to global banking, we love you. Oh, and our transition game is impeccable.LinksArtists Often Pay For Their Own Health Care — This Is Their Biggest Expense By Elizabeth Dilts Marshall for Billboard https://www.billboard.com/pro/t...
2025-07-171h 00
The Wholesome Music PodcastSocial Media for Musicians Who Don’t Like to Do Social MediaCameron Ljungkull and Augustus Watkins break down social media strategies for reluctant posters. Then we talk about the way the tech industry has changed the "soft power" of American culture, share some mental health resources for musicians, and discuss the new era of 360 deals. We also tempt fate by calling out UMG's famously rowdy legal team.Meta, TikTok, Spotify & New Rules of Soft Power by Mark Mulligan via Music Industry Blog https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2025/05/meta-tiktok-spotify-the-new-rules-of-soft-power-mark-mulligan-of-midia.htmlMental Health Resources for Musicians in 2025 By Randi Zimmerman https://blog.symphonic.com/2025/05/01/mental-health-resources-for-musicians/20 years a...
2025-07-1046 min
The Wholesome Music PodcastMusic Marketing / Social Media / Coachella / Rising Ticket Costs / AI SlopWelcome to Wholesome Music Podcast with Cameron Ljungkull and Augustus Watkins. It's our first episode and we're talking about the right time to get a manager, the creator economy, how social media broke capitalism, the economics of touring, AI brainrot music, and more!Links: Why Some Artists Are Rethinking Touring https://hmc.chartmetric.com/why-artists-arent-touring-2025/Americans Are Paying $300-Plus or Going Into Debt for Concert Tickets, Studies Show https://www.billboard.com/pro/concert-ticket-prices-studies-spending-debt-consumer-trends/Into the Horrid Depths of Instagram Reels Music By Kieran Press-Reynolds https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/into-the-horrid-depths-of-instagram-reels-music/
2025-07-0253 min